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Quality traits of three broccoli cultivars, which were grown for autumn crop was determined: 'Chevalier' F₁, 'Milady' F₁ (cultivars of Dutch origin) and 'Cezar' F₁ (of Polish origin). Immediately after harvest sensory quality of broccoli was evaluated, using the quantitative descriptive analysis method (QDA). In 'brainstorming' session there were chosen 14 attributes (profiles) concerning smell, texture, taste / flavour. Overall quality impression was also scored and hedonic test of broccoli liking was performed. Other quality traits determined were: antioxidant activity, total carotenoids content, vitamin C content, colour parameters in CIE L*a*b* system. These traits were determined separately for florets and stems of broccoli plants, both of which are usable parts of this vegetable. Results showed that investigated cultivars differed in respect of quality traits concerning sensory attributes, antioxidant activity, carotenoids content, vitamin C content and colour parameters. Results showed also that florets of broccoli performed higher antioxidant activity than stems. Carotenoids content in broccoli cultivars was much higher in florets than in stems, but vitamin C content was on similar level in florets and stems of the plants. Florets and stems of all broccoli cultivars differed much in respect of colour parameters - lightness, greenness and yellowness.

Research of the reproduction activities of Dendrobates auratus Girard, 1855 is part of a broader analysis of the problems encountered when keeping frogs from the family Dendrobatidae in captivity. The aim is to achieve an optimization of measures for successful breeding of these amphibians, for both the amateur hobbyist and conservationist alike. Due to the wide area they have colonized, many colour variations exist; the reproduction parameters of six differently coloured examples of the species were tracked. The collection of data happened in standardized conditions over two consecutive years (2007, 2008) and was aimed at measuring five indicators concerning reproduction, understanding of egg-laying dynamics during a year, measuring the risk of stock loss during different stages of development and determining if any differences existed between the different colour variations in these parameters. A noticable alternating cycle of rest and reproduction activities has been observed between equinoxes. In the harvest there were usually 5-10 eggs with an average incubation period of 10 days (8-18) at a temperature of 22 °C. The total duration of development was on average 74 days (64-103). The number of eggs in a harvest and the duration of incubation were statistically different with the blue form between different observed periods. Total mortality rate during ontogenesis reached 10-53%, the highest losses were in the period when the tadpole left its egg and began developing its hind legs, 5-60%. The optimisation of breeding conditions has been reccommended. Secondary benefits of this study research was the collection of new knowledge about ethology of this species in captivity.